1982 CJ-7 Jeep - Irock

Ron Burton's initiation into the wonderful world of Jeepin' began on his honeymoon quite a few years ago, and since then, the entire family has been hooked. Although difficult to see now, this '82 CJ-7 came out as Jeep's 30th Anniversary Commemorative Edition model and has become one capable 'wheeling machine.

Ron and his son Brent Burton performed most of the custom fabrication on this vehicle with their own hands. The Jeep is actually a combination of two vehicles: the original CJ-7 and the drivetrain from a rolled IROC-Z Camaro. The extensive buildup included transplanting the 350 Chevy V-8 engine from the flipped Camaro into the Jeep. The engine work didn't stop there, though; Ron also added a Paxton Supercharger for additional boost. An '89 GM R4700 transmission was then completely rebuilt by Precision Power Train in Billings, Montana, and coupled to the engine. As the final nail on this block, the transmission was fit with a B&M shifter and transmission cooler.

The original Dana 30 axle was swapped out for a Dana 44 with a high-pinion differential, and the ring-and-pinion was geared at 4.88. For traction and strength, the front axle was fit with an ARB Air Locker, Moser inner axles, Warn outer axles, CTM U-joints, and Warn Premium hubs. The rear axle is built with a custom full-floating Currie 9-inch also geared to 4.88, Warn axles, Warn hubs, and a Detroit Locker for added traction. In addition, the rear features 1-ton spindles and hubs with a 5 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern. In turn, the spindles were bored to accept 35-spline Warn Dana 60 axles. Both the front and rear axles were converted to disc brakes using 3/4-ton GM and Ford components.

The suspension consists of a Sway-A-Way coilover conversion up front and a spring-over conversion in the rear using 8-inch lift leaf springs. For control and off-road performance, the suspension was custom four-linked front and rear. With the suspension complete, Ron had more than enough room to mount a set of 35x12.5R15 Parnelli Jones Dirt Grips on 15x10-inch American Racing wheels with OMF bead locks.

To begin the interior, Ron custom-fit the original IROC Camaro gauges on a custom-built console. For comfort and safety, he also installed a set of Cerullo seats. A GM late-model tilt steering and GM steering wheel were also integrated into the vehicle.

The buildup of this CJ-7 is a testament to Ron and his family's commitment to Jeepin'. They told us that if you're going to be hooked on a sport, you might as well go all the way. The extensive work on this Jeep verifies that this family doesn't hold back.